KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — An in-depth investigative study by Better Business Bureau finds fraud is widespread in the online rental home and vacation rental market. The study shows almost 1 in 2 online shoppers encountering a fake listing and more than 5 million consumers losing funds to scams. The investigative study, notes that 85% of clientale encountering fake rental listings do not fall for them. However, these figures suggest that the volume of rental scams lurking on the internet is staggering. Read the full study by clicking the link. https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21033-bbb-investigation-rental-scams

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Athens ISD bus driver from January’s deadly crash that killed one student was back in court on Wednesday for another status hearing. According to our news partner KETK, the first pretrial hearing for the case has been set for February 5 in the 392nd District Court in Athens. John Stevens, 79, is charged with criminally negligent homicide and injury to a child after the bus he was driving collided with a Union Pacific train in Athens January 25. The collision killed 13-year-old Christopher Bonilla after he was ejected from the bus and severely injured 9-year-old Joselyne Torres. Stevens was also injured in the collision. Continue reading First Pre-Trial Hearing Set for Athens ISD Bus Driver

TYLER — On Monday the University of Texas Board of Regents “doubled down” on their recent investment of $95 million dollars to new educational and clinical facilities for UT Tyler and UT Health Science Center at Tyler. On Wed. Board Chairman Kevin Eltife shared with KTBB with this was a huge win for the students. “This is setting the stage and a catalyst in the future for the possibility of a medical school in our community, which would be huge for this whole area.” Continue reading UT Board of Regents Sets Stage for Possible Medical School in Tyler

SMITH COUNTY — Many voters were left concerned in the November elections after one polling place closed and voters waited hours in line. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran stated that the fall elections did not meet expectations and expects changes in the future. “Our November elections did not occur up to standard, we did not fulfill our obligations to this community to do elections in the way they need to be done, they were accurate, but we had a lot of problems we need to address,” said Judge Moran. Continue reading November Polling Issues Addressed during Commissioners Court Meeting

BULLARD — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 16-year-old girl. According to a press release, Kylee Elise Stewart-Voss, 16 was last seen at 8:00 p.m. on Monday night. Kylee is described as a white female standing 5’3″ and weighing 140 pounds. If you have information regarding her whereabouts the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office urgest you to contact them at (903) 683-2271.

GLADEWATER — A Gladewater couple was arrested after Gregg County authorities removed their child that was living in animal feces and poor hygienic conditions. Elisha Gray, 31, and Matthew Alderman, 45, received multiple charges includ-ing child endangerment and animal cruelty. According to Gregg County Sheriffs Lt. Josh Tubb, “authorities extracted 12 cats, 6 dogs, a rooster, a pig, a possum, and 12 rats from the location that were all living in the house, or in a cage in the house in their own feces and urine, all of the occupants of the house were exposed to that.” At present neither Gray or Alderman have posted bond.

TYLER — During the Texas Workforce Commission Conference, The Literacy Council of Tyler (LCOT) was recognized in two award categories. On Tuesday, Executive Director Nancy Crawford told KTBB she was thrilled that the LCOT took highest honors of “Best in Class” for overall program performance. LCOT also took 2nd Place overall in the “Employee Partnership” category for its on-site English as Second Language programs. “I thought we might get one award, I was sort of shocked about two, and everyone tells me it showed on my face. I don’t have a picture of that but apparently I was truly suprised, and very very pleased and it is a lot of hard work.” Continue reading Literacy Council of Tyler Awarded Best in Class

BECKVILLE — A Christmas Tree Farm in Beckville is in its 30th season. Jackie Merket with Merket Christmas Tree Farm says they have something for everyone. “We got some trees that are real fragrant. Some trees don’t have any smell. But then on the other hand some trees are really clean, they don’t carry any trash in the house. We have a Virginia Pine, it’s grown here at the farm. It’s real fragrant, but it’s changing it’s pine needles this time of the year so, it does have some stuff inside that we try to clean out as best we can before they leave.” Continue reading Christmas Tree Farm Enters 30th Year

TYLER — The Robert E. Lee High School Theatre department will present the musical Chicago, High School Edition with opening night Thursday. TISD says there will be nightly performaces through Saturday beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will also be 2 matinee presentations at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The show will take place at Robert E. Lee Fine Arts Center on ESE Loop 323. The state-of-the-art facility is part of the voter-approved BOND2017 high school renovation package. Tickets are available at the door. The cost is $5 for students or seniors 65+ and $10 for adults.

ATHENS — It’s been a year since a man and his 17-year-old daughter were fatally shot in their home South of Chandler. On Tuesday Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse told KTBB the investigation into the murders of Gabriel McBride, 47, and his daughter, Beverly McBride continues. “Someone out there very possible could know something, and we are asking them to come forward. There is a $10,000 reward through Crimestoppers, if they contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-545-TIPS.” Continue reading $10K Reward in Double Murder in Henderson County

MARSHALL — New information has been released regarding an officer involved shooting in Marshall. Following a weekend filled with rumors and speculation, The Texas Rangers have allowed the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office to release more information regarding an officer involved shooting that occurred late last week. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jay Webb said have been rumors and comments over the number of times the suspect was shot. Webb says the man was shot one time, according to the medical examiners office and The Texas Rangers office. Continue reading More Details Released following Officer Involved Shooting

WASHINGTON D.C. — The GOP on Monday told the House Judiciary Committee that the Democrats had built their case around hearsay. On Monday evening Congressman Gohmert told KTBB it was hard to hear all day long. “It just was so hard to sit through the hearing today knowing that there is nothing but hear-say upon hear-say, some of it 4th and 5th hand hear-say.” Continue reading Congressmen Gohmert: “I’m Scared for my Country”

TYLER –Just weeks after The University of Texas System Board of Regents invested $95 million in new educational and clinical facilities for UT Tyler and UT Health Science Center at Tyler, the Board doubled down on its commitment to East Texas. On Monday they unanimously authorized a new arrangement so that the two Tyler institutions will permanently come together under one administrative structure to best serve the needs of the state of Texas. Continue reading UT Regents to Integrate Talent and Assets of UT Tyler and UTHSC at Tyler

HENDERSON — A provisional burn ban was voted into action on Monday in Rusk County Commissioner’s Court. According to the Office of Emergency Management facebook page, the provision cites that the county is in “drought like conditions.” The provisional ban requires individuals to have a water source readily available on-site. Flammable materials not going into the fire will need to be kept at least 10 feet from the flames. Additonally, residents must notify their local fire department when they will be burning. The difference in a provisional and a full burn ban is that a full ban prohibits all outdoor burning across the entire county.

WOOD COUNTY — Christmas came early for four children who lost their home and parents from a fire on Thanksgiving. Courtney Cline and her longtime partner, Ben Mendez died in that fire. According to our news partner KETK, on Sunday a Dallas man, Michael Moreno delivered the early “Christmas” after he teamed up with Toys for Tots and other various organizations to give the kids something positive to think about. Amilya Minor, a sister of Cline, was grateful for the help. “He got clothes, he got Christmas for them, he also put in place for them to get food when it got around Christmas time, just a big blessing.” Continue reading Early Christmas for Victims of Thanksgiving Day Fire

TYLER — A social worker from Mineola, has officially announced her campaign for Texas Senate, District 1 in 2020. Audrey Spanko,told KTBB why she decided to run. “I want to represent East Texas and fight for affordable healthcare.” Spanko believes her diversity makes her an ideal candidate for East Texans. Spanko, a Democrat, has witnessed how current state policies have affected people and communities across the district, and she is on a mission to fight social injustice, advocate for the people of East Texas, and bring positive change to the state.

TYLER — Champions for Children Smith County is inviting the community to join in for a fundraiser event at grub on Monday through close of business tonight. Make sure to mention the fundraiser at check out. Champions for Children is a United Way of Tyler/Smith County partner agency with a primary focus of quality, early childhood education for children birth to five years of age. Champions’ also provides individual services to children, families, childcare centers and teachers in East Texas. For more details click the link. https://championsforchildren.org/about-us/

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect in the theft of a Salvation Army Kettle last week. Tyler Public Information Officer Don Martin says Jimmie Earl Gamble 60 has been arrested and they are still looking for the second suspect in the case. A customer at the scene observed the alleged theft and followed the pair getting a picture of the truck and plates. Gamble was driving, the 2nd suspect got out of the vehicle and busted the witnesses windshield and sped out of the parking lot. Continue reading Arrest in Salvation Army Kettle Theft

TYLER — TxDOT has released plans for the upcoming week for the Tyler District. U.S. 69 Overpass at FM 346 The contractor is scheduled to continue bridge construction. Traffic control is expected to be switched over to the new temporary traffic signal. A work zone speed limit of 60 mph is in effect for the project on US 69. The project is building a new US 69 Bridge over FM 346. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance crews plan to continue overlay operations on US 259 with work being conducted northbound from Hollybrook Drive to Loop 281. Complete report by cking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/059-2019.html

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University showcased 134 graduates during the Fall 2019 Commencement observance held on Saturday at the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn officiated over the ceremony as 100 students received undergraduate degrees and 34 received graduate degrees. Special guest and recognized Christian author and speaker Beth Moore presented the keynote address during the ceremony.

TYLER — Grub Burger Bar is hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday. Mention the SPCA of East Texas to your server from 11AM-10PM and 20% of the proceeds will go to the organization. You are also invited to bring your furry friend for a fun time on the patio for food and fun and support a good cause. If you would like more information on the SPCA of East Texas click the link. https://spcaeasttx.com/

TYLER — The Blue Santa is a non-profit outreach program that annually concentrates on giving gift cards to needy children during the holidays. Chuck Boyce, Community Resource Officer with Tyler’s Police Department said 100% of the proceeds go to children in need. “It’s amazing to watch the children’s excitement as they pick out Christmas presents. It’s extremely humbling to see that some select presents for their family and sometimes food and other necessities.” The Blue Santa Pub Crawl will be next Saturday, 4-8pm. Pre-sell tickets are $25; $35 the day of the event. Continue reading Blue Santa Pub Crawl Next Saturday

SMITH COUNTY — The Habitat for Humanity of Smith County knows all about hard work and they continued those efforts on Saturday with a wall raising. According to our news partner KETK, this will be the 109th home when completed. Every home is built on site with materials donated supplies for the projects. If you want more info click the link. https://www.smithcountyhabitat.org/about-us/

TYLER — A longtime East Texas philanthropist has died. According to our news partner KETK, Peaches Owen, long known for her and her late husband Louis’ philanthropic generosity to East Texas, died on Saturday. Owen was known for underwriting charitable projects through out the community, including the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. Continue reading Longtime Tyler Philanthropist Dies

CASS COUNTY — An East Texas educator has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the sexual assault of a six-year-old boy. According to our news partner KETK, Kennie Lewis Cook Jr. 32 was sentenced Friday. One day earlier, a jury convicted the former Mt. Pleasant High School teacher and assistant band director on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Cook was arrested in February of this year. It will be a minimum of 40 years before Lewis is eligible for parole.

TYLER — The holiday season is big business for porch pirates. The US Postal Service is projecting 800 million package deliveries between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. And an estimated 23 million Americans have had a package stolen from their front porch or mailbox. This summer, Governor Greg Abbott signed a law making it a felony to steal packages off front porches, but that’s not likely to deter every thief. BBB reminds consumers that there are steps which can be taken to prevent porch pirates from getting away with the goods.“Online ordering has made it convenient to shop both during the holidays and the rest of the year, “Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas said. Continue reading ‘Tis the Season- Watch Out for Porch Pirates

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes will present their ninth annual Christmas show on Sunday, Dec. 8, with two shows set for 2 and 5 p.m. in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus. The one-day-only Broadway-style show, “A December to Remember,” will feature the world-famous Rangerettes and guest performances by local dance groups. Tickets are $15 each and all seating is reserved. Remaining tickets from pre-sale will be sold 45 minutes prior to each show. Continue reading Rangerettes to Perform “A December to Remember”

TYLER — An investigation that began in October resulted in an arrest Friday of a Smith County Emergency Services District 2 employee. County detectives say through investigation they discovered that Silas Austin Franks – 25 of Terrell, was arrested for Possession/Promotion of Child Pornography with a bond of $250,000. Franks is in the Smith County jail. Investigators say they received full cooperation and assistance from members of Smith County ESD 2. Continue reading Suspect Arrested for Child Pornography